The new 7 is also expected to continue to offer a range of six, eight and twelve-cylinder petrol engines, with the V8 and V12 to be all-new designs that use a 500cc individual cylinder capacity as their basis.

Four and six-cylinder diesels will also be offered, and BMW's triple-turbo 3.0 litre diesel six (as used by the X5 M50d) is also expected to be offered.

But according to UK mag Autocar, the biggest news will be the new 7's reduced kerb weight, to be achieved through the greater use of magnesium, aluminium, high-strength steel and carbon fibre in the vehicle's construction.

Carbon fibre is expected to feature especially heavily, with BMW's experience in building the carbon-bodied i3 and i8 to play a big part in the new 7 Series' dieting plan.

The suspension will continue to follow the current 7's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear arrangement, but with greater use of aluminium suspension arms to drop weight and improve ride and handling.

Standard and long-wheelbase versions will continue to be offered, though an extra-long wheelbase version (principally for the Chinese market) has also been rumoured.

Styling is expected to be close to BMW's Future Luxury Concept (pictured) that was revealed earlier this year, and we should get our first glimpse at the all-new 7 Series when it makes its public debut in Frankfurt next month.

Production is expected to commence in the latter half of 2015, with the new 7 Series going on sale as a 2016 model.